A tight-knit Utah family was in the market for a low-energy home that would not only reinforce their relationship with one another but also with their surrounding environment. So they called upon Salt Lake City's Imbue Design to create a home that uses a variety of passive design elements to ensure that very few mechanical systems are required to keep it comfortable. Placed in a pristine pasture in Holladay, this lovely home commands stellar views of Mt. Olympus.

The 2,850 square foot Holladay home is an open-plan structure strategically placed to maximize views of the pasture and mountains and optmize winter heat gain and summer shading. Smaller east and west-facing facades minimize solar gain (thereby reducing cooling requirements) while large, well-insulated overhangs give the home a distinctive appearance at the same time as it provides shade. The home does not have an air-conditioning system.

Inside, the home is open, with living, dining and kitchen areas combined to maximize the amount of interaction the family has with one another – a very important requirement for the project. The absence of hallways also entails an efficient use of space. A 12×35 foot glass wall along with floor to ceiling windows permit plenty of natural light, further reducing the overall energy load. Heating is provided through radiant concrete floors. Albeit a simple project that pays deep respect to its environment, the owner’s brother (and master brewer) thought it so worthy of celebration that he made a limited edition Belgian Ale called “Pasture-ized!” to commemorate the home’s completion.